The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets offense will face a Utah Utes defense that isn't full strength when the two teams meet on December 31 for the 2011 Hyundai Sun Bowl as defensive tackle Dave Kruger has been ruled out of the team's bowl game with an infection in his leg, according to head Utah head coach Kyle Whitingham. The junior defensive lineman has started 10 games this season, making 22 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack. He's been a major part of the defensive line, which has been one of the strength of Utah's defense.
"Nobody is more competitive than Dave Kruger, he loves football and comes out every day and practices hard so it's tough on him," Whitingham said. "But he'll be back and hopefully he'll have a great senior year."
According to Whitingham, Kruger will be replaced by a trio of defensive lineman: senior Tevita Finau, senior James Aiono and junior Star Lotulelei. Aiono will get the start in Kruger's absence.